SEPANG: The 186 passengers on board AirAsia's flight AK6838 had a pleasant surprise when "Captain Loke" – Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook – made an appearance and, very briefly, assumed the duties of flight captain.
"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome on board the Airbus A320 aircraft, flight AK9838 bound for Sibu.
"We are ready for departure. Please have your seatbelt fastened. Sit back and relax.
"We hope you will have an enjoyable flight. Happy Chinese New Year and safe journey home," said Loke, much to the delight of the passengers, who clapped, cheered and thanked him.
"On behalf of the management of AirAsia, thank you for flying AirAsia, the world's best low-cost airline," Loke added before bidding goodbye to the passengers who were on the first extra late-night flight by AirAsia for the Chinese New Year festive season.
Earlier, the passengers received goodie bags containing red packets and mandarin orange from Loke before boarding.
The Kuala Lumpur-Sibu flight was one of a total of 149 extra flights offered by AirAsia.
Meeting the press later, Loke said the three major carriers – Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Malindo Air – had added 376 flights, offering 64,382 extra seats, for the Chinese New Year festive season from Jan 30 to Feb 12.
"The carriers added capacity for a total of 14 routes, serving major destinations.
"That has resulted in lower prices for many destinations.
"The cheaper airfare made it affordable to many who work or study in the Peninsula to go home for the festive season," he said, adding that the overall airfare rates were lower by at least 25% for this festive travel period compared to last year.
The additional flights to 14 popular destinations serve the following routes: KL to Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Miri, Kuching and Sibu; Johor Baru to Kota Kinabalu, Miri, Kuching and Sibu; Kuala Lumpur to
Johor Baru, Langkawi and Penang; Johor Baru to Penang, and Johor Baru to Ipoh.
Last year, the ministry requested that the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcomn) conduct a study on high flight prices during peak travel periods and to seek viable options to keep ticket prices affordable.
Following a discussion, the three local airlines pledged to increase flight capacity on specific routes for the festive season.
"I am happy that the initiative has helped to address the issue of high airfare during festive season.
"This is definitely the approach we want to move forward with, especially for the coming Hari Raya celebration, Hari Gawai and Kaamatan harvest festival in May and June later," Loke added.- Star
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